Festive Holiday Staircases and Entryways

There’s only one chance for a first impression, and your home’s front hall will be the first thing your guests see. Thick garlands of evergreen spiraling down a grand banister or a fresh bouquet of amaryllis waiting by the front door greet your guests with the warmest of welcomes. Read on for more decoration inspiration.

A gorgeous garland generously adorns the banister from the entry all the way to the second floor landing. Silver ribbon entwined throughout complements the sparkling chandelier and the cool silver-gray stair runner.

In this Chicago home, crisp white paint plays up the architectural features for an undeniably elegant effect. Chocolate brown and dusty lavender details play up the drama, while holiday décor­­–like the Santa standing watch at the base of a garland-wrapped banister.

Here holiday décor mixes and mingles with the homeowners’ collection of antiques from their travels in this foyer. Artichokes tied with silver ribbon and dainty periwinkle blooms add a unique twist on the banister garland.

Reclaimed ceramic pavers lead guests in from the cold to this spacious side entry. Wrapped gifts pile up on the antique Gustavian bench, which features under-seat storage for extra convenience during this busy season.

This Holiday House Designers Showhouse entry wows with arched doorways, polished marble floors, and an abundance of lush, fruity garlands. Created by Benjamin Bradley and David Thiergartner, the Christmas-inspired room comes to life with citrusy tones and olive greens against warm neutrals.

This entry gives a warm welcome to visitors with its earthy palette and still life-like décor. A folk art painting hangs behind a English oysterwood chest, while a brass watering can from Huntington and Hope holds fresh blooms.

A grand staircase is the main event in this spacious foyer. Seasonal greens cascade down the curved banister and wrap around the newel post, which is topped with a decorative seeded glass ball. The Christmas tree is tucked into the curvature of the staircase; a nuanced wool-and-silk runner guides the stairs down to the honed French limestone floor.

A group of shapely potted topiaries add a little humor to this side table. Small luminescent ornaments pepper the greenery for color. Even the horse statue gets into the spirit with a small wreath around its neck.

In this sunny mudroom serving as an entry into a festive home. country casual decorations are subtle, like the pine boughs tied with raffia down the banister. A Windsor bench with a plaid seat softens the brick floor.

Pinecones pop against this pine garland, complemented by the red-and-green plaid ribbon. Small white lights twinkle merrily from within the arrangement. Potted poinsettias line the hallway, guiding guests to the back entrance.

An urn filled with fruit, flowers, and branches adds height in the foyer. “Fruit-on-fruit” layering is his decorating technique, says floral designer John R. Roberts. Here, he edged a bouquet of Protea foliage and green cymbidium orchids with tangerines and cranberries. The stair railing is swagged with a garland of boxwood and evergreens.

In this contemporary front hall, holiday décor is kept to a minimum to complement the home’s modern aesthetic. Bare branches are tucked into a tall glass vase filled with silver marbles for a wintry look. Small glass snowflakes hang from the branches for a bit of sparkle and glamour. Artwork is by Catharine Warren.

A garland of magnolias, cedar boughs, and lavender thistle winds down this banister, infusing the gorgeous display with fragrance and twinkling lights. An 18th-century putto statue stands amid greenery in a niche.

This round foyer table is topped with natural elements like pomegranates, pinecones, paperwhites, and mini pine trees. Bunches of cinnamon sticks and large jars of candy add sweet color to the display.

An oversized wreath is dotted with apples, lemons, nuts, Hypericum berries, and osage oranges. Thick turquoise ribbon holds the beautiful display to the window, where it can be enjoyed from indoors and out.

Pomanders are a very traditional treat, their history going back to medieval times when they were used to ward off diseases. They take on a decidedly merrier tone as holiday décor: The banister’s lush garland has fragrant fruits that lend color to the display.